Family Law Solicitors in Carlisle
Wragg Mark-Bell Solicitors provides family law advice across Carlisle and Cumbria – covering divorce and separation, financial settlements, child arrangements, domestic abuse, and prenuptial and cohabitation agreements, with family legal aid available for eligible clients.
Family law covers some of the most personal and stressful issues anyone can face – divorce and separation, arrangements for children, dividing finances, and protection from domestic abuse. We know how much is at stake, so we handle every case with sensitivity, professionalism and care.
Compassionate, expert family law support
Our Family Law department brings a wealth of knowledge and a compassionate approach to each case. Understanding the intricacies of Family Law, our team is adept at navigating the legal system, ensuring that you are fully informed and comfortable with every step of the legal process. Our goal is to demystify the complexities of the law, providing clear, concise guidance tailored to your unique situation.
Family Legal Aid
Wragg Mark-Bell Solicitors has a Family Legal Aid contract, which means our team can provide legal advice to some clients who may not otherwise be able to afford it. This legal aid funding helps ensure that justice is accessible regardless of financial capability, and that clients get the support they need when it matters most.
Follow our family legal aid link to find out whether you are eligible.
Our family law services
Wragg Mark-Bell Solicitors offer a wide range of services within the realm of Family Law, designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients.
Our areas of expertise include, but are not limited to:
- Divorce and Separation: We handle all aspects of divorce proceedings, including those involving same-sex marriages and civil partnership dissolutions. Our approach is to promote amicable resolutions wherever possible, minimising conflict and fostering a positive path forward.
- Prenuptial Agreements and Cohabitation Agreements: Whether you are entering a marriage or cohabitation, we provide expert advice on safeguarding your interests, assets, and future, ensuring peace of mind for all parties involved.
- Domestic Violence: If you are facing situations of domestic violence, our team offers sensitive, confidential, and robust legal support to protect you and your loved ones, guiding you through the necessary legal steps to ensure your safety.
- Childcare Arrangement Orders: We provide expert guidance on Child Arrangements Orders, which have replaced Child Contact, Child Custody Orders, and Residence Orders. Our focus is on the best interests of the children, ensuring their well-being while respecting the rights of parents and guardians.
Why Choose Wragg Mark-Bell Solicitors?
Choosing the right solicitor is crucial in Family Law matters. At Wragg Mark-Bell Solicitors, we combine legal excellence with empathy and understanding. Our team is dedicated to providing personalised attention, ensuring that you feel supported and confident throughout your legal journey. With a track record of success and a commitment to our clients’ well-being, we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes, transforming challenges into opportunities for a brighter future.
Meet our family law team
If you are seeking expert advice and support in Family Law, please contact us to schedule a consultation.
Contact Keith White or Lauren Goad, who lead the family team
Call us on 01228 510077 or contact us by email.
Family law costs
For full details of our fees for Family Law, please see our family law fees page.
Family law FAQs
What does family law involve?
Family law in England encompasses a wide range of legal issues related to family and domestic relationships. This includes divorce and separation, financial settlements, child custody and visitation rights (now more commonly referred to as child arrangements), paternity, protection against domestic violence, and issues surrounding cohabitation and the rights of unmarried couples.
Family law aims to provide legal solutions that protect the rights and welfare of families and children during times of dispute and transition.
How long does it take to get a divorce?
If there are no complications the divorce process takes approximately 6-12 months to complete.
Using a divorce solicitor will not affect how long the court takes to process your application, however, paperwork that has been completed by a solicitor is less likely to contain errors and more likely to be accepted by the courts. This means the process could be completed more quickly with a divorce solicitor.
In order to protect your financial assets, we recommend you resolve the division of the matrimonial finances alongside the divorce. Our divorce solicitors can advise you on this based on your specific financial details and circumstances.
Is there such a thing as a ‘common-law spouse’?
In England, the concept of a ‘common-law spouse’ is a common misconception. Despite popular belief, cohabiting couples do not acquire the same legal rights as married couples or civil partners, regardless of how long they have lived together. There is no legal recognition of ‘common-law marriage’, which means individuals may not have a right to their partner’s assets upon separation without a cohabitation agreement or Deed of Trust or relevant legal action.
Does my ex have an obligation to keep a roof over his children’s heads?
Yes, both parents have a legal obligation to financially support their children, which can include providing suitable accommodation. This responsibility is independent of marital status and continues until the child is at least 16 years old or up to 20 years old if they are in full-time education. The Child Maintenance Service can be involved to ensure that financial support, including contributions towards housing, is provided by the non-residential parent.
What is a Child Arrangements Order?
A Child Arrangements Order is a court order that regulates arrangements relating to whom a child is to live with, spend time with, or otherwise have contact with. These orders have replaced what were formerly known as ‘residence orders’ and ‘contact orders’. The primary focus of a Child Arrangements Order is to ensure the child’s welfare and can include detailed provisions for the upbringing of the child, reflecting the best interests of the child above all else.
Are there still grounds for a divorce in England?
No.
The law on divorce has changed and no-fault divorce replaced the old system on 6 April 2022.
Essentially no-fault divorce removes the requirement to provide evidence of ‘conduct’ on ‘separation’. It replaces this with a simple requirement to give a statement of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage or civil partnership.
Contact our family law solicitors in Carlisle
If you are facing a divorce, separation or any other family matter, our team is here to help you navigate it with your best interests at heart. For sensitive, expert local advice, contact Wragg Mark-Bell Solicitors today on 01228 510077.